Meet our hosts
Hello – we are Team People of the North!
Meet Arne Hjeltnes and Stig Bareksten – our two adventurous hosts, always ready to explore new places, meet fascinating people, and discover the stories and traditions of the North.
Arne, a Norwegian television personality, author, and businessman, brings endless curiosity, energy, and a love for adventure. Alongside him is Stig, an award-winning Norwegian distiller with a passion for craftsmanship, great spirits, and the perfect drink for any occasion.
But no adventure is complete without great company and great food! On each journey, Arne and Stig are joined by one of four inspiring women, each bringing her own personality, expertise, and curiosity to the adventure.
Meet Frida Ronge, the celebrated Swedish chef with a love for Japanese cuisine; Live Edvardsen, a talented Norwegian chef and former head chef at restaurant Credo; Nevada Berg, the American-born cookbook author and creator of North Wild Kitchen; and Sigrid Henjum, an adventurous Norwegian explorer and author with a passion for nature and the great outdoors.
Together, they travel across Norway, meeting the people, exploring the places, and discovering the flavors and traditions that make the North so special.
Different personalities, new adventures, and plenty of stories to share. Join us for the journey!
Arne Hjeltnes
Arne Hjeltnes is a household name in Norway, famous tv-host, business profile and author. Arne has worked as television presenter and producer since the early 90s. Among other things, New York director of Norwegian tourism, and as representative for The Norwegian Seafood Council in Hong Kong. Arne grew up in Western Norway’s largest ski resort - Voss.
Sigrid Henjum
Sigrid Henjum, arctic explorer and wildlife guide. She has crossed the Greenland glacier, explored Antartica in a kayak, and seen Mongolia from the back of a horse. She is author of three outdoor cookbooks and lives today in Western Norway with her family of five. Sigrid also works for the ambulance service in her home town.
Stig Bareksten
Stig Bareksten is a man of many things. From running around in the woods of suburban Loddefjord outside Bergen, where he grew up. Endless summers on the family farm in Florø, or his home outside Oslo. Foraging for wild herbs are one of his passions, and making gin another. Stig is an award-winning and renowned distiller of botanical gin, aquavit, rum, vodka and whiskey.
Live Edvardsen
Live Edvardsen is a talented Norwegian chef with a passion for food, people, and storytelling. She has served as head chef at the renowned restaurant Credo in Trondheim and has appeared on Norwegian television as a judge on MasterChef Young Talents and a mentor on Kokkeskolen. With her culinary expertise, curiosity, and enthusiasm for local food traditions, Live brings a fresh perspective to People of the North, exploring Norway through its people, culture, and flavors.
Frida Ronge
Frida Ronge, Swedish celebrity television chef with signature restaurants in both Stockholm and Oslo - TAK. She grew up in Gothenburg, as a fish mongers daughter, and she has made a name in Swedish television from Morning shows and other concepts. Frida loves to combine Japanese cuisine and Nordic ingredients, and she gets that extra kick when the combinations are perfect. Frida is also author of numerous cookbooks.
Nevada Berg
Born and raised in Utah, USA, Nevada Berg is an award-winning food writer, cookbook author, and creator of North Wild Kitchen. After moving to Norway, she developed a deep passion for Norwegian food culture, local ingredients, and traditional cooking. Her internationally acclaimed blog, North Wild Kitchen, was named Blog of the Year by Saveur magazine in 2016. She has since published two cookbooks, North Wild Kitchen and Norwegian Baking Through the Seasons. With her American roots and love for Norwegian traditions, Nevada brings a unique perspective to People of the North, sharing stories through food, culture, and the people who keep these traditions alive.